Saga vs International Violin Build Kits

[Willem]

Howdy,
I am looking to do both an A5 and F5 builds from a kit. The eventual goal is to build from scratch, but I wanna get my feet wet first. Does anyone have an opinion on whether International Violin kits or Saga are preferable? I am aware of the Stew Mac F5 kit and the Arches kits and the higher quality both would offer. Thanks in advance.

[Marty Jacobson]

International Violin kits have good customer service. Saga kits could be bought from a variety of places, some might have good service, some not. The parts on these can be pretty poorly machined, and if it's to the point that you can't make it work, you might need a replacement. IV has historically been good about sending out replacement parts.

[multidon]

I am pretty sure I remember reading on an older thread here that the Saga and IV A style F hole kits are one and the same. But IV has their own source for the A style with no sound holes and the F style kits.

[bigskygirl]

I built a Saga A kit a few years ago and it was a great learning experience. The kit itself came with everything but instructions and I ended up posting them here, you could do a search and find them.

The tuners, strings, and tailpiece are not that great and the back in my kit was cut a bit short. For the cost I just sanded it and made do. I had fun learning about the mando (I didn’t play at the time) and I think with some set up work it could be a nice campfire mando, etc.

If your goal is to gain experience (get feet wet) then Saga is a nice option, then go for the IV kit for your second. If you don’t have a lot of woodworking experience or shop - or access to one - you’ll have to spend a bit to get even the basic tools.

[Willem]

I built a Saga A kit a few years ago and it was a great learning experience. The kit itself came with everything but instructions and I ended up posting them here, you could do a search and find them.

The tuners, strings, and tailpiece are not that great and the back in my kit was cut a bit short. For the cost I just sanded it and made do. I had fun learning about the mando (I didn’t play at the time) and I think with some set up work it could be a nice campfire mando, etc.

If your goal is to gain experience (get feet wet) then Saga is a nice option, then go for the IV kit for your second. If you don’t have a lot of woodworking experience or shop - or access to one - you’ll have to spend a bit to get even the basic tools.

Thanks all for the info! I do have some woodworking experience and a developing shop. I have most of what I need in power tools (band saw, drill press, sanders, etc.). I do lack in some of the luthier specific hand tools but have been piecing that stuff together over the last several months. I have read conflicting opinions on whether or not the Saga and IV kits are one in the same, but haven't found anything definitive.

[MikeEdgerton]

The International Violin A kit is the Saga kit. The F is something he has picked up on his own. It might be a Saga product, who knows. The A kit is a known commodity. It's not a secret, it is a Saga kit. No mystery. Consider this definitive.

[Willem]

The International Violin A kit is the Saga kit. The F is something he has picked up on his own. It might be a Saga product, who knows. The A kit is a known commodity. It's not a secret, it is a Saga kit. No mystery. Consider this definitive.

Thanks, and I will consider this as definitive. I had looked at both of them and noticed the striking similarity which is what prompted me to do the bit of reading I did and, ultimately, start this thread.

[bigskygirl]

Thanks all for the info! I do have some woodworking experience and a developing shop. I have most of what I need in power tools (band saw, drill press, sanders, etc.). I do lack in some of the luthier specific hand tools but have been piecing that stuff together over the last several months. I have read conflicting opinions on whether or not the Saga and IV kits are one in the same, but haven't found anything definitive.

You should be fine, I built mine with a flat file and sandpaper. I did go to the local wood shop and took a safety class, I learned how to make spool clamps, used the band and jig saws, and that I really don’t like being anywhere near the table saw. If you haven’t already do a forum search, lots of us have built the kits and some have come out great.

When you start your build post a thread, the community here will jump in if you need any advice.